Top Calder Trophy Contenders:
The upcoming NHL season features several highly-anticipated rookies who could make immediate impacts. Here are the standout first-year players to watch:
Elite Prospects:
- Ivan Demidov (Montreal) – Tops the rookie class with exceptional offensive potential
- Michael Misa (San Jose) – High-scoring forward expected to contribute immediately
- Zeev Buium (Minnesota) – Promising defenseman with strong two-way abilities
Impact Players:
- Jimmy Snuggerud (St. Louis) and Ryan Leonard (Washington) – Skilled forwards who could earn significant roles
- Alexander Nikishin (Carolina) and Zayne Parekh (Calgary) – Defensemen with NHL-ready games
- Isaac Howard (Edmonton) – Offensive talent joining a high-powered lineup
Depth Options:
- Sam Rinzel (Chicago) – Developing defenseman with upside
- Yaroslav Askarov (San Jose) – Goaltending prospect in new organization
Additional Prospects: Several other rookies could emerge throughout the season, including forwards like Gabe Perreault (NY Rangers), Matt Savoie (Edmonton), and defensemen such as Sam Dickinson (San Jose) and Matthew Schaefer (NY Islanders). Goaltenders Jesper Wallstedt (Minnesota) and Leevi Merilainen (Ottawa) also warrant attention.
Key Storylines:
- Montreal and San Jose feature multiple top rookie prospects
- Several teams are integrating young talent into competitive lineups
- The Calder Trophy race appears wide open with multiple viable candidates
Source: Based on NHL.com’s breakout candidates analysis